dual inline memory module (DIMM)
Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) are memory blocks equipped with memory chips. They are used as main memory( RAM) in personalcomputers, servers and other computing units. Depending on the design and technology, the two contact connection rows of a DIMM module have 168 contacts, 184 contacts for DDR1 and 240 pins for DDR2. DIMM modules are main memory in personal computers(PCs) and are plugged into the slots provided for them on the motherboard.
DIMM modules are used in conjunction with fast Synchronous Dynamic RAMs( SDRAM) in high- performance PCs and servers, and modern motherboards only support DIMM modules. It is easy to expand the RAM by plugging in additional DIMM modules. DIMM modules are available with memory capacities of 8 megabytes( MB), 16 MB, 32 MB, 64 MB and 128 MB.
DIMM modules are characterized by 64-bit memory access, access times between 6 ns and 10 ns, clock frequencies between 66 MHz and 333 MHz and supply voltages between 1.8 V (1V8) and 5.0 V (5V) .
The selection of the right DIMM module is not entirely uncritical, since most computers require special types, memory sizes and upgrade configurations. For notebooks and sub-notebooks, the MicroDIMM has been developed, which has 144 pins, a data transfer rate of 7 ns and a clock rate of 100 MHz. There is also the Small Outline DIMM( SODIMM) with 74 and 144 contacts. It is smaller and thinner than the normal DIMM and therefore ideal for notebooks and laptops in addition to use in PCs, PowerMacs and iMACs.
The further development of DIMMs is moving towards more powerful memories with higher data throughput rates and lower data loads for the memory bus and memory controller. In addition, energy-saving chip technologies are increasingly being used. The development stages know the Registered DIMM( RDIMM), the Load-Reduced DIMM( LRDIMM) and the Non-Volatile DIMM( NVDIMM).